It's ostensibly an action movie, and the action is so poorly shot as to be embarrassing.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
A shake 'n' bake Brit teen-spy actioner, without a smidgeon of originality, humor or involving characterization, Stormbreaker is a high-profile bust.
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Jennie Punter
A British flick based on the first novel in a popular teenage spy-thriller series by Anthony Horowitz, looks promising but, unfortunately, doesn't measure up.
Rourke's hammy, eyeliner-enhanced acting alone almost makes Alex Rider worth a look.
The New York Times by Nathan Lee
Mr. Pettyfer is no Sean Connery, no Roger Moore, no Pierce Brosnan, no Timothy Dalton and no George Lazenby even, but the director, Geoffrey Sax, compensates for his zero of a hero by indulging the exceedingly amused and amusing supporting cast.
The Hollywood Reporter by Ray Bennett
A lame and disappointing affair.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer by Sean Axmaker
A bland Bond.
Washington Post by Stephen Hunter
Perhaps as a publishing phenomenon the concept works, but on-screen it's pretty dull, with good actors in bad roles and bad special effects.